More info sought on Mainland avian flu cases

January 19, 2009
Secretary for Food & Health Dr York Chow says the Government is concerned about the three recent human cases of H5N1 on the Mainland and has asked authorities for epidemiological study results when they are ready.

Speaking to reporters today Dr Chow said there are two main areas he is concerned about.

"One is if there is no avian flu outbreak in poultry and yet there are human cases, whether there is a change in the virus. Secondly, whether there are more so called 'silently infected chickens' that actually have the potential of carrying the virus and transmitting the disease and yet do not show any symptoms of illness or do not actually die from those illnesses.

"Because of that we have decided we will not increase the number of imported chickens from the Mainland this year so we will not change the pattern of trading and transport during this period."

Noting public concern about the rise in chicken prices Dr Chow said the decision not to increase live chicken imports during the festive period is appropriate.

He said the Government will be vigilant in combating smuggling, adding the public should be careful when they are approached by anyone selling chickens of unknown source.



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January 19, 2009 January 19, 2009
Surveillance
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Anti-flu measures implemented Anti-flu measures implemented

The center for Health Protection is implementing measures ahead of the influenza season to hinder the illness.

The centre's controller Dr Thomas Tsang said today the flu season could arrive in the next four weeks. The centre in collaboration with the Education Bureau and Social Welfare Department has planned five anti-flu talks for schools and childcare centres.

An updated guideline on preventing communicable diseases was introduced in the first talk today.

The centre has issued letters reminding schools with significant intake of cross-border students about the importance of regular and thorough disinfection of school buses. These schools were also asked to remind parents not to send children with influenza symptoms to school for up to 48 hours after a fever subsides.

Outbreak updates Outbreak updates

Dr Tsang said the centre will publish the names of schools and other institutions with influenza-like illness outbreaks on its website every weekday from today.

"During 2008 about 1,200 children aged 12 years or below were hospitalised due to influenza, while the figure for 2007 was about 1,400," he said.

So far 260,000 flu vaccine doses have been administered under the Government Influenza Vaccination Programme.

Meanwhile, 75,000 doses have been administered to target children under the new Influenza Vaccination Subsidy Scheme.
hat-tip NawtyBits